Coast region transport has ground to a halt after matatu operators joined the nationwide strike protesting soaring fuel prices and heavy taxation. Thousands of commuters in Mombasa and neighbouring counties were left stranded Monday morning, with students forced to walk to school and businesses disrupted as PSV operators enforced a total shutdown.
MOMBASA, Kenya—Transport across the Coast region was brought to a standstill on Monday after matatu operators joined the ongoing nationwide strike protesting soaring fuel prices and increased taxation, triggering massive disruption in movement of commuters, students and businesses.
The shutdown, spearheaded by the Matatu Owners Association (MOA), has paralysed public transport in Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale, Lamu, Taita Taveta and Tana River, leaving thousands of commuters stranded from the early morning hours.
In Mombasa, major stages and bus termini remained deserted as workers, traders and students were forced to walk long distances after matatus disappeared from the roads following the strike directive that took effect Sunday midnight.
The situation caused severe disruption to businesses across the city, with some shops opening late while others remained shut due to the absence of workers and customers. Learners were also heavily affected, with many students seen trekking to school as parents struggled to secure alternative transport.
Coast Coordinator and Second Vice Chairperson of the Matatu Owners Association, Salim Mbarack Salim, confirmed that the entire Coast region had fully complied with the nationwide shutdown.
“We are joining the entire country in this nationwide strike. From Sunday midnight, no matatu should be on the road,” said Mbarack while addressing the media in Mombasa.
He warned operators against defying the strike order, insisting the transport sector could no longer sustain operations amid skyrocketing fuel costs and rising operational expenses.
According to Mbarack, consecutive fuel price increases have pushed many operators to the brink, forcing the industry to raise fares even as passengers continue grappling with the high cost of living.
“We cannot continue increasing fares every day while Kenyans themselves are struggling economically. Passengers are suffering just like operators,” he said.
Mbarack accused the government of overburdening citizens through heavy taxation on petroleum products, arguing that the impact of high fuel prices has spread across the economy, affecting electricity costs, commodity prices and transport expenses.
“This government only listens when there is a strike and total shutdown,” he added.
The strike has intensified pressure on the government as the transport paralysis continues to cripple economic activities across the Coast and other parts of the country.
Transport stakeholders have been demanding urgent intervention following the latest fuel price review announced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority, which triggered sharp increases in pump prices.
The Matatu Owners Association has already announced a 50 per cent fare increase, saying operators can no longer absorb the rising diesel and petrol costs.
The ongoing shutdown is expected to severely affect economic activities in urban centres, particularly in Mombasa where thousands of residents rely on matatus daily for movement to workplaces, schools and businesses.
There are also growing fears that the crisis could disrupt operations linked to the Port of Mombasa if logistics operators and truck transporters fully join the industrial action.
